Hey there community. I posted my first request for advice back in 2019 and received some really amazing feedback. I am hoping you all can assist me again. First let me provide my gear, then I will ask my question.
Panamax 5100 power conditioner
Marantz SR7013 9.2 channel 125W AV receiver
(not using internal amps. Using Pre-outs for processing only.)
Marantz MM8077 7 channel 150W amplifier
6 full range speakers running simultaneously (all forward facing)
Bi-Wired using OEM jumpers from B&W
2 active subwoofers
Multi-channel stereo setting using Audussey for room correction
- 2 B&W Nautilus 804 / 200W
- 2 B&W CDM7 NT / 150W
- 2 B&W CDM7 SE / 150W
- B&W ASW 3000 15" active subwoofer / 300W amplifier
- B&W ASW 1000 12" active subwoofer / 120W amplifier
I currently connect my PC to my AVR processor via a modest monoprice hdmi cord (Monoprice 4K Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable 6ft - 18Gbps Black) and stream music via Qobuz. I usually select "direct sound" when given the option between Wasapi and ASIO, however my son (who has way better hearing than I) was able to discern a noticeable difference between the three and with one song in particular the high frequencies in one channel using direct sound were so cacophonous that it "irritated" him. I was able to discern the difference as well, but not nearly to the extent that it affected my son.
So here's my question ... With my existing gear what would be a good solution to improve the sound quality of my system sourcing from Qobuz and connecting via PC to my processor?
Should I upgrade my hdmi cable (or is that as Gene would call "snake oil"?)
should I use a usb connection instead of hdmi?
Should I use an application such as Audirvana to bypass the internal audio mixer of my PC?
Should I purchase an external DAC that interfaces between my PC and AVR processor?
Sould I perform several or none of the above?
As you can see i am thoroughly confused on this and would like some advice on achieving the best SQ possible with my current gear and setup.
Thank you.
~ Richard
